Another Pepperoni Recall 2021: More Cured Meat Recalled Over Toxin Risk

Following a recall in early December for 2.3 million pounds of ham and pepperoni products from Alexander & Hornung due to Listeria contamination, Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp.'s Margherita Meats has now recalled a series of pepperoni products due to a possible toxin-producing microorganism.

The recall affects about 10,990 pounds of ready-to-eat pepperoni products, which may have been contaminated with Bacillus cereus.

Bacillus cereus is a toxin-producing microorganism that can produce symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Those with weakened immune systems may have more severe illnesses from the toxin.

Treatment for Bacillus cereus typically includes vigorous rehydration and antibiotics.

Smithfield said that it has not received any reports of adverse reactions due to the consumption of the recalled pepperoni products.

The affected meat was discovered when the Department of Defense notified the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service that Bacillus cereus was discovered during routine testing.

Consumers are urged to check their pantries and refrigerators for the affected pepperoni products. They should not be consumed. They should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase, the FSIS said.

The recalled pepperoni is unsliced and was packaged in 8-ounce plastic shrink-wrapped packages on June 17, 20212. It is labeled as Margherita Pepperoni and has a lot code of P1931C. The use-by date is Dec. 14, 2021, which is located on the label

The meat also has an establishment number of EST. 19 inside the USDA mark of inspection. The pepperoni was shipped to retail locations nationwide.

Questions about the recall can be directed to the Margherita Consumer Affairs Hotline at 1-844-342-2596.